Fantasy football starters and benchwarmers

Published 4:00 am, Friday, December 3, 2010

It's time to make that final charge in hopes of reaching your league's playoffs. Here are some tips to help you along.

Watch 'em roll

Sam Bradford, QB, Rams: He threw three interceptions in his first meeting with the Cardinals, which also was his first game as a pro. Arizona won't recognize this Bradford, who is playing lights-out.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers: After rushing for nearly 100 yards in Week 12, Stewart appears to be back at full strength. Though Mike Goodson has earned a share of the carries, he has missed practice this week due to "stress." Hmm. Seattle's pathetic run defense awaits.

Matt Forte, RB, Bears: He has been a little better than average over the last several weeks, but now Forte faces the Lions' defense he torched for 201 combined yards and two TDs in Week 1.

Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets: He's taken a backseat to Santonio Holmes, but Edwards should be in your lineup, too, against a Patriots secondary that is coughing up a league-worst 288 passing yards per game.

Roll 'em back

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: Big Ben is limping through practice on an injured foot, but should play Sunday night. Just don't count on much.

Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: He appears to be wearing down with the heavy workload. The NFL's second-ranked run defense is an unlikely opponent to allow him to rebound.

Keiland Williams, RB, Redskins: His 15 minutes of fantasy fame may be over, though Ryan Torain is unlikely to return this week. James Davis is sharing backfield carries and the offensive line isn't opening holes.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals: New Orleans continues to hold opposing receivers out of the end zone, while Cincinnati's starting wideouts were shut down by the Jets in Week 12.

Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers: He has caught all three of Troy Smith's TD passes over the past four games, but his yardage and targets remain mediocre. Green Bay has allowed just 10 passing TDs all season, so don't expect much from the duo on the frozen tundra.

Take a flier on ...

... Seyi Ajirotutu, WR, Chargers: Ajirotutu and Legedu Naanee may be the last healthy wideouts standing for San Diego.

Don't be the bonehead who ...

... fails to check on Adrian Peterson's playing status on Sunday morning. He'll very likely be a game-time decision, and if he doesn't go, Toby Gerhart could be in for a monster outing against the Bills' sieve-like run defense.